Abstract: An intramedullary nail comprises longitudinal channel, a first transverse passage and a second transverse passage. A lag screw extends through the first transverse passage of the intramedullary nail. An anti-rotation shaft extends through the second transverse passage of the intramedullary nail. A cannulated lag screw lock is positioned in the intramedullary shaft and engages the lag screw. The anti-rotation shaft extends through a cross channel in the lag screw lock. A second shaft lock is positioned in the intramedullary nail with the second shaft lock engaging the anti-rotation shaft. In at least one embodiment, the lag screw lock includes a substantially cylindrical body portion rotatably connected to a threaded head portion. In at least one embodiment, the second shaft lock is provided as an end cap including a threaded upper portion and a lower post portion that extends into the lag screw lock.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail comprises longitudinal channel, a first transverse passage and a second transverse passage. A lag screw extends through the first transverse passage of the intramedullary nail. An anti-rotation shaft extends through the second transverse passage of the intramedullary nail. A cannulated lag screw lock is positioned in the intramedullary shaft and engages the lag screw. The anti-rotation shaft extends through a cross channel in the lag screw lock. A second shaft lock is positioned in the intramedullary nail with the second shaft lock engaging the anti-rotation shaft. In at least one embodiment, the lag screw lock includes a substantially cylindrical body portion rotatably connected to a threaded head portion. In at least one embodiment, the second shaft lock is provided as an end cap including a threaded upper portion and a lower post portion that extends into the lag screw lock.

Abstract: A threaded insert for providing stronger threads to a parent material. The threaded insert includes a bushing portion having male threads on the external surface and female threads within an internal bore. The threaded insert also includes keys which lock the threaded insert into a threaded hole within the parent material. The keys are positioned within slots along the external surface of the bushing portion of the threaded insert. The slots include two substantially parallel walls which are substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface of the slots. A method for assembling the threaded insert reduces the tendency of the keys to be installed offset from the bottom surface of the slots.

Abstract: A threaded insert for providing stronger threads to a parent material. The threaded insert includes a bushing portion having male threads on the external surface and female threads within an internal bore. The threaded insert also includes keys which lock the threaded insert into a threaded hole within the parent material. The keys are positioned within slots along the external surface of the bushing portion of the threaded insert. The slots include two substantially parallel walls which are substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface of the slots. A method for assembling the threaded insert reduces the tendency of the keys to be installed offset from the bottom surface of the slots.

Abstract: A threaded insert for providing stronger threads to a parent material. The threaded insert includes a bushing portion having male threads on the external surface and female threads within an internal bore. The threaded insert also includes keys which lock the threaded insert into a threaded hole within the parent material. The keys are positioned within slots along the external surface of the bushing portion of the threaded insert. The slots include two substantially parallel walls which are substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface of the slots. A method for assembling the threaded insert reduces the tendency of the keys to be installed offset from the bottom surface of the slots.

Abstract: A self retaining nut which has an aperture with internal threads positioned within the aperture, and a longitudinal slot intersect at least some of the internal threads. A bowed spring is positioned within the slot and is compressed as the nut is placed on a bolt to retain the nut on a bolt.

Abstract: A generally spherical hitch ball has a downwardly extending neck and an outwardly extending flange which engages against the trailer hitch of a towing vehicle. A threaded shaft extends downwardly from the flange through an opening in the hitch. The coupling device is fixed to the hitch by a nut which is threaded on the shaft and engages a washer against the hitch. The nut is retained on the threaded shaft and positively prevented from escaping by a cylindrical pin which extends through an inclined hole formed in the hitch ball and the shaft. The pin has a head which is biased upwardly by a spring against the trailer arm where it fits over the ball. When the trailer arm is locked in place the pin head is inaccessible and the nut may not be removed.

Abstract: A self-locking threaded member which may be internally or externally threaded at least along a portion of its surface includes an aperture provided longitudinally along the axis of the member but spaced radially from the center thereof. The aperture is preferably located such that a portion thereof passes through adjacent flanks of the threads and includes a portion which is radially positioned to pass through the base of the valleys. The aperture receives a locking member in the form of a pin which extends axially of the fastener and is of a length to extend across at least two adjacent crests and is preferably spaced from the lead threads. The locking member operates as a wedge to cause an increase in the friction between the mating threads opposite the position of the locking element. Various forms of locking elements may be used, such as plastic or metal. Various configurations are disclosed as well as a relatively simple method to make the fastener.

Abstract: A key for locking a threaded insert in a carrier material is provided with an improved tang portion. The improved tang portion includes spring retention means for reducing the friction required to position and hold the key within an insert slot prior to final installation and provide superior driveability over known prior art keys. The spring retention means includes a flexure area and a pair of protrusions which are held by spring force against the walls of the insert slot. The flexure area is centrally located on the tang portion and includes an aperture therein.

Abstract: A holding screw rotatable in an inward direction having means to prevent or retard rotational movement in the opposite direction.

Abstract: In a die, punch and core rod assembly for a powder compacting press wherein the core rod or rods remain stationary while the punch or punches are reciprocable relative to the die, the invention provides individual longitudinal position adjustment for the core rods by fitting the end of the core rods in a threaded member such as a set screw threading in a threaded bore in a core rod support member. The core rod support member is in the form of a pair of plates one defining a core rod support plate and the other a retainer plate, sandwiching a plastic locking plate. The core rods are immobilized in their adjusted position by the plastic locking plate, sandwiched between the core rod support plate and the retainer plate, being provided with a threaded bore aligned with the threaded bore in the support plate and having a slight screwthread mismatch with the threaded bore in the support plate.

Abstract: A die, punch and core rod assembly for a powder compacting press wherein the core rod or rods remain stationary while the punch or punches are reciprocable relative to the die. The invention provides individual longitudinal position adjustment for the core rods by fitting the end of the core rods in a threaded member such as a set screw threading in a bore in the core rod support plate. Alternatively, the invention provides for position adjustment of the core rod support plate by supporting the support plate below the die plate by spacer sleeves having a threaded peripheral portion threading in a bore in the core rod support plate. By combining an adjustable core rod support plate with individually adjustable core rods, the core rods can be adjusted longitudinally relative to each other, and in unison by way of the position adjustment provided for their support plate.